Donald W. Anderson, 92, passed away after a brief illness on January 6, 2011 at Morningside Manor in Alcester. He was born October 25, 1918 in River Falls, Wisconsin. His family moved to a farm north of Alcester when he was a young child, and he attended rural grade school and Alcester High School. After 2 1/2 years at South Dakota State University, his studies were interrupted by World War II and he served four years in the U.S. Army.

When he returned to Alcester after the War, he began farming with his Dad. Donald married Eleanor Thompson on July 2, 1946. He continued farming west of Alcester until 1979, when he retired. He then returned to South Dakota State University and completed his Bachelor's Degree at the age of 63. After Eleanor's retirement from teaching in the Alcester Public Schools, Donald and Eleanor were able to enjoy traveling extensively with their travel trailer and visiting many friends and family members.

Donald was a lifelong member of Nathanael Lutheran Church, where he served on many church committees and was always available to help fix whatever needed to be fixed. He also served for many years on the Board of Bethany Nursing Homes in Sioux Falls. He was an active member of the volunteer EMTs and assisted with the VFW medical equipment loaner program in Alcester. Donald's dedication to helping others and his positive attitude will be remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his son, Douglas, and wife, Janice, of Fort Collins, Colorado; three grandchildren, Matthew Anderson of Austin, Texas, Katie Anderson (and her husband Brian Hodgson) of Madison, Wisconsin and Christopher Anderson of Fort Collins; his sister Maxine Harris of Sioux Falls, his brother Eugene Anderson (and wife Miriam) of Harrisburg, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding him in death were his wife, Eleanor, and his parents, Oscar W. and Bessie Anderson.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Nathanael Lutheran Church in Alcester with burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Alcester. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at Wass Funeral Home in Alcester with the family present from 6-8 p.m.